UW's Corey Williams Finally Putting it Together?

It seems like forever since Corey Williams made a big play for UW. His memorable TD catch as a frosh in the Apple Cup (pictured) was a spectacular play that is an all-time Husky moment in the series, as UW rallied to upset their 9th ranked in-state rivals that November evening in 2003. The future seemed amazingly bright for a talented receiver with good size (6-2, 190) and who showed flashes of brilliance, highlighted by that TD catch to put UW ahead for good.

But what's he done since then? Not much. The Husky coaching staff has been completely overhauled since his shining moment in '03, and Williams has been a player that just hasn't lived up to the expectations that began with so much hope. Is it his fault? Not entirely, as health always has something to do with it. He's battled nagging injuries since a fractured wrist at Notre Dame in 2004, and has had several other nicks and dings his whole time at UW.

However, this spring has been a different story. To the point that offensive coordinator Tim Lappano told Molly Yanity of the P-I that Corey Williams has been the pleasant surprise of spring ball thus far:

"He's making a lot of plays," Lappano said. "He's playing with a lot more confidence and he should. He's been in the system and is showing it. But he's been the surprise of the offense. He has been awesome."

Pretty high praise for a player that honestly hasn't shown much. Is this his final breakthrough moment as a 5th-year senior? Or will he revert back to being the player he's always been, battling inconsistency and developing more nagging injuries that keep him off the field? It's hard to think that he'll suddenly become an all-conference wideout when the previous body of work doesn't really show a whole lot other than a ton of potential, but Williams has always been an intriguing blend of size and athleticism at the WR position. With the loss of senior WR's Sonny Shackelford and Quentin Daniels, Williams could be an integral part of the UW passing game in 2007. As a 5th-year senior, it's now or never time for Williams.